Russia expelled a British diplomat on Monday, March 30, alleging economic espionage and threatening a reciprocal response to further incidents.
Russia Expels British Diplomat
On Monday, March 30, Reuters reported, citing Russian media, that Russia expelled a British diplomat accused of economic espionage. The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation stated its counterintelligence had determined that the Vice-Secretary of the British Embassy, Albertus Gerhardus Janse van Rensburg, “conducted espionage activity.”
Russia suspects the diplomat of espionage.
Allegations of False Information and Subversive Activity
Russian security services claim the British diplomat “provided false information about himself.” They allege he engaged in “subversive intelligence activities that threatened the security of the Russian Federation.”
Information Gathering and Departure Order
Moscow accused him of attempting to gather information about the Russian economy during informal meetings. He was ordered to leave Russia within two weeks.
Diplomatic Protest and Accusations of Espionage
The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a statement cited by Sky News, reported that the British chargé d’affaires in Russia, Danae Dholakia, was summoned regarding allegations of “providing false information when applying for entry into the country.” Russian authorities also received information indicating the employee belonged to British intelligence services and identified evidence of his involvement in intelligence activities.
Threat of Retaliation
Moscow warned of an “adequate response.”
The statement emphasized that previously disclosed cases of British diplomats deliberately providing false information about themselves had already met with a decisive reaction. The chargé d’affaires was urged to convey a firm recommendation to London that British citizens, especially embassy staff, provide only accurate information about their background when applying for visas.
Intolerance of Unofficial Intelligence Activity
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated it would not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia. It also warned that if London escalates the situation, Russia would respond immediately and adequately.
Warning Regarding Unauthorized Meetings
The Kremlin also warned that Russians who hold unauthorized meetings with British diplomats could face prosecution.
